Best Bindings for the Scarpa T4: XCD Crossover
How to Choose Between Traverse, Hardwire, and Switchback
The Scarpa T4 sits in a very specific place in the telemark world. Pair it with the right binding and ski, and you get an efficient, versatile system that covers ground and still delivers confident telemark turns. Pair it wrong, and the system could feel mismatched.
Below is a breakdown of the three 75mm options most commonly paired with the T4:
- 3-Pin Cable Traverse
- Hardwire 3-Pin
- Switchback
Each section includes guidance for both the Endeavor BC (narrower, lighter) and the UltraVector BC (wider, more stable).
First: Know Your Ski Platform
Before we talk about bindings, understand the difference between these two skis.
Endeavor BC
- Narrower (78–86mm waist depending on length)
- Lighter
- Quicker edge-to-edge
- More travel-oriented
- see more
UltraVector BC
- Wider platform (90–98mm waist depending on length)
- Slightly heavier
- More stability in soft snow
- Requires more leverage from boot + binding
- see more
They share construction and design philosophy. The only real difference between them is width and weight. That difference directly affects how much “help” you need from your binding.
Why these two skis?
Beyond dimensions, both of these skis hit a rare balance: they are highly touring efficient thanks to their camber profile, long running length, and traction-pattern BC base, but they also carve cleanly edge to edge when it’s time to turn. They’re comfortable on consolidated snow, predictable on firm surfaces, and stable when conditions soften up. From midwinter powder to spring corn, Voile skis in general are designed cover a wide range of backcountry conditions without forcing you into a narrow use case.
1. 3-Pin Cable Traverse + Scarpa T4
The 3-Pin Cable Traverse is a lightweight, tour-oriented cable binding. It uses cable springs instead of rod cartridges and drops meaningful weight compared to Hardwire and Switchback. It’s explicitly positioned for long touring days and pairs well with softer-plastic boots like the T4. The Traverse gives you:
- Lower weight
- Enough support for confident telemark turns
- The option to remove the cable for lighter travel
On the Endeavor BC
This is a very clean match.
The Endeavor is narrow and light enough that the T4 does not need a particularly aggressive binding to control it.
If your focus is rolling terrain, glades, meadow skipping, and covering distance, this combination feels cohesive and balanced.
This truly is a “simple and solid” option.
The XCD-X Heritage Bundle
Scarpa T4 + 3-Pin Cable Traverse + Endeavor BC
Lightweight simplicity for rolling terrain and confident all-day exploration. Lightweight, field-friendly, and highly intuitive.
On the UltraVector BC
This is a good pairing, but slightly more conditional.
The UltraVector’s added width asks more from the boot and binding. The Traverse will absolutely work with the T4 here, but if you’re skiing firmer snow or want more binding activity, you may start to feel the ceiling of the system.
For soft snow and travel-focused days, it’s excellent.
For higher-speed or firmer conditions, some skiers may want more support.
2. Hardwire 3-Pin + Scarpa T4
The Hardwire 3-Pin is the more support-forward 3-Pin option. It’s the most active of the three bindings listed here. It uses rods and cartridge springs and mounts to a taller riser. It is heavier than Traverse but provides more binding leverage.
On the Endeavor BC
This is a pretty niche choice for the Endeavor BC.
The Endeavor BC does not require this much binding to feel controlled with a T4, but some skiers may honestly prefer the more active feel. The trade-off is additional weight to a ski that’s designed to move efficiently.
If your priority is long tours and fluid travel, Hardwire will likely feel like more than you need on this ski.
If your priority is maximizing downhill support on the lightest ski possible, the Hardwire is a defensible choice.
On the UltraVector BC
This pairing makes a ton of sense.
The UltraVector’s wider platform benefits from added leverage. Hardwire helps the T4 drive the ski more assertively and can compensate slightly for the boot’s softer flex relative to larger tele boots (such as the Scarpa T2).
If you want to bias the system slightly toward downhill control without moving to a stiffer boot with a taller cuff, Hardwire is the support-forward option.
The XCD-X Operator Bundle
Scarpa T4 + Hardwire 3-Pin + UltraVector BC
Support-forward 75mm control for firmer snow and skiers who want more leverage from a wider platform.
3. Switchback + Scarpa T4
The Voile Switchback is a free-pivot tele binding that changes the game entirely. It weighs more, but it eliminates heel resistance and climbs like an AT binding. It transitions very easily, and includes dual climbing elevators.
This binding changes the personality of the system more than the other two.
On the Endeavor BC
This is arguably the most efficient XCD Crossover pairing.
The Endeavor BC’s traction base reduces transitions. Switchback’s free pivot reduces resistance. Together, they create a movement-focused system that thrives on rolling terrain and long approaches.
With the narrower platform, the T4 can comfortably drive the ski without feeling underpowered. You gain real touring efficiency without sacrificing telemark performance.
If your goal is distance, flow, and covering ground, this combination stands out.
The XCD-X Wayfinder Bundle
Scarpa T4 + Switchback + Endeavor BC
Efficient travel and confident turns on a lightweight platform built for covering ground.
On the UltraVector BC
This is a very strong option, though with a bit of nuance.
For soft snow and backcountry exploration, this pairing works incredibly well. The UltraVector can handle a wide range of riding conditions. Switchback dramatically improves uphill efficiency compared to fixed 3-pin systems. On a wider ski like the UltraVector BC, that matters during long approaches and when riding deeper snow.
However, the wider platform also exposes the T4’s limits more quickly in really firm conditions. The binding won’t fix that entirely. The boot remains the limiting factor in those high-demand situations.
If you routinely push the ski harder in adverse conditions, you may eventually consider a stiffer boot rather than changing the binding.
The XCD-X Ranger Bundle
Scarpa T4 + Switchback + UltraVector BC
Broader platform, free-pivot efficiency, and versatile backcountry range for soft snow missions.
So What Should You Choose?
- Most efficient, crossover-tour focused: Switchback
- Most lightweight: 3-Pin Cable Traverse
- Most downhill-support oriented: Hardwire 3-Pin
Final Thought
The Scarpa T4 isn’t necessarily the weak link in these systems. It simply defines the ceiling, hence why the Switchback X2 isn’t included in this list.
On the Endeavor BC, the T4 feels very well matched and allows you to choose bindings based on touring philosophy.
Deeper snow is more accessible on the UltraVector BC, and binding choice becomes more about how much additional leverage you want to layer into the system.